West Tamar, Meander Valley and Northern Midlands communities will form a key part of the upcoming Diabetes Tasmania Pollie Pedal which aims to highlight the growing diabetes pandemic and provide valuable support to programs that assist Tasmanians living with the condition, said Guy Barnett, Diabetes Australia Ambassador.
Mr Barnett, who has Type 1 diabetes, launched the Tasmanian Pollie Pedal in 2006 when a Senator for Tasmania together with Diabetes Tasmania.
“Since then the annual event has raised over $390,000 for Tasmanians living with diabetes. Funds raised have assisted Diabetes Tasmania run education and awareness programs and support children with juvenile diabetes across the State, he said.
“This year’s ride—the ninth since the event’s inception—starts on February 14 at Beaconsfield and will travel through the West Tamar before stopping at the Hagley Farm School and Deloraine. Cyclists will then ride to Chudleigh and back through the Meander Valley to Hadspen before cycling to Longford on Sunday 16 February including a stop at Woolmers and then concluding in Relbia at the Josef Chromy Winery.
Mr Barnett said 34,000 Tasmanians were among an estimated 1.7 million people in Australia living with diabetes.
“In total eight per cent of the Australian population currently have diabetes. This is expected to rise to 14% in the next twenty years. Unfortunately Tasmania has the highest rates in Australia.
Mr Barnett, a state Liberal candidate for Lyons, has been both the Diabetes Tasmania Ambassador and Diabetes Australia Ambassador since 2011.
“Those living with chronic diseases deserve our support and I am thrilled to continue the charge to help this worthy cause”, he concluded.
Cyclists wishing to be involved should ring Diabetes Tasmania on (03) 6215 9000 or download the Rider’s Info Pack from http://www.diabetestas.org.au/
Guy Barnett, Liberal candidate for Lyons
